Comparison of Speed-Related and Power-Related Variables Between First-Division and Second-Division Professional Soccer Players

ABSTRACT: Loturco, I, Requena, B, Tavares, LD, Mercer, VP, Moura, TBMA, Alexandre, MGA, Oliveira, LP, Nakamura, FY, and Pereira, LA. Comparison of speed-related and power-related variables between first-division and second-division professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study investigated whether speed-related and power-related variables differ between professional soccer players competing in the first and second divisions within the same regional federation, where training conditions and testing procedures are standardized. One hundred fifty male players (first division: n = 78; second division: n = 72) performed countermovement jumps; linear sprints over 5, 10, and 20 m; a curvilinear sprint test; and jump squat (JS) assessments to determine peak velocity and peak power using a load corresponding to 40% body mass. Players from the first division consistently demonstrated superior performance across all tests, including higher jump height, greater JS peak velocity and JS peak power, and faster linear and curvilinear sprint speeds compared with second-division soccer players (p < 0.05; effect sizes = 0.40-0.89). These predominantly moderate differences indicate that speed and power meaningfully differentiate competitive levels in professional soccer, even when testing procedures and training environments are comparable. For coaches and performance staff, the findings highlight the practical value of routinely monitoring sprinting and power-related metrics and reinforce the importance of prioritizing the identification and selection of fast and powerful players, particularly in contexts where opportunities to substantially improve these neuromuscular qualities are limited.